Havana: Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev has asserted that the relationship between Russia and Cuba is growing stronger despite the challenging geopolitical situation currently surrounding the Caribbean nation. His statements came during a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana, marking his official visit to the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, Interior Minister spokesperson Irina Volk communicated through Telegram that Kolokoltsev shared his views during the meeting, emphasizing the reliability and strengthening of ties between the two nations. Kolokoltsev also extended condolences over the deaths of Cuban military officers during a US military operation in Venezuela earlier this year, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. He reiterated Russia’s stance against interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

Volk mentioned that Kolokoltsev highlighted Cuba’s upcoming accession to BRICS as a partner state in 2025, a move he believes will enhance coordinated interactions between Russia and Cuba within this multilateral framework. He expressed confidence that the cooperation between Moscow and Havana will continue to expand across various areas of mutual interest.

In subsequent discussions, Kolokoltsev also engaged with his Cuban counterpart, Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas. This dialogue followed remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently reaffirmed Russia’s support for Cuba in defending its sovereignty and independence during a ceremony involving new ambassadors to Moscow.

The Cuban government has reported the loss of 32 soldiers and police officers in the US operation in Venezuela. In response to growing tensions, US President Donald Trump recently hinted at Cuba being a potential future target, suggesting the nation’s vulnerability. Meanwhile, President Diaz-Canel has blamed the United States for Cuba’s economic difficulties, maintaining that Havana remains sovereign despite decades of American pressure.